Jill Smith
Hillsboro,VA
Summary
Professional Wedding Planner with expert knowledge of wedding industry to plan every event from engagement to honeymoon. Leverages established relationships with reputable suppliers to negotiate discounts, deals and upgrades and acts as neutral and objective professional to reduce stress and pressure for couple. Offers inspiration, advice and support while planning seamless string of events for exceptional celebrations with family and friends. Wedding planning professional known for attention to detail and creative vision. Adept at designing and executing weddings that align with clients' dreams. Highly collaborative and results-oriented, with strong organizational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Venue Manager
Shadow Creek Weddings and Events
07.2021 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times.
- Evaluated customer feedback on a regular basis to identify areas for improvement within venue operations and implemented necessary changes accordingly.
- Supervised events from start to finish using effective crowd control methods.
- Maintained updated knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market demands to inform strategic decisions about future event offerings at the venue.
- Implemented inventory control measures for venue supplies and equipment to reduce waste and improve cost management.
- Implemented and enforced safety policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Streamlined venue operations for better efficiency and cost reduction by implementing new management systems.
Wedding and Event Planner
Self-Employed
09.2015 - Current
- Increased event attendance by developing strategic marketing campaigns and engaging promotional materials.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Conferred with event staff at event site to coordinate details.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Optimized event layouts and floor plans to maximize attendee flow and overall experience, minimizing congestion in high-traffic areas.
- Corresponded with clients to answer questions and resolve issues.
- Implemented post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and drive continuous enhancement of future initiatives.
- Streamlined event registration processes, enhancing attendee experience and improving overall efficiency.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport for ongoing business opportunities.
- Managed budgets effectively, monitoring expenses closely to ensure events were delivered within financial constraints.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or service levels.
- Performed face-to-face meetings to finalize contract for services and event details.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Adapted quickly to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the event landscape, implementing contingency plans as needed.
- Managed logistics for successful events, including venue selection, contract negotiation, and coordinating with vendors.
- Utilized project management skills to keep events on track while meeting deadlines and staying within budget parameters.
- Developed tailored event plans to meet client objectives, ensuring seamless execution and positive guest experiences.
Education
Certificate - Wedding Planning
Ashworth College
Norcross, GA01.2019
UVA School of Bank Management - Finance
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA08.1997
Skills
- Writing and verbal communication
- Relationship Building
- Personnel Management
- Event Promotion
- Guest Relations
- Vendor Management
- Vendor Relations
- Event planning and management
- Facility Maintenance
- Event Planning Expertise
- Facility Oversight
- Health and safety compliance
- Task Prioritization
- Crowd Control
- Menu Planning
Websites
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 20 in the development of weddings or event.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Affiliations
- American Bridal Association
Timeline
Venue Manager
Shadow Creek Weddings and Events
07.2021 - Current
Wedding and Event Planner
Self-Employed
09.2015 - Current
Certificate - Wedding Planning
Ashworth College
UVA School of Bank Management - Finance
University of Virginia
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